The European Commission authorized the transfer of EUR 252.5 million on Tuesday. It was the first assistance package to the Palestinian Authority this year.

The European Commission authorized the transfer of  EUR 252.5 million on Tuesday. It was the first assistance package to the Palestinian Authority this year, and comes as a continuation of its annual commitment to providing financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

“The European Union renews its concrete commitment to the Palestinians,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Affairs Federica Mogherini.

She said that the assistance package is geared towards helping the lives of individual Palestinians, including those living in refugee camps.

“Through this package, the EU supports the daily lives of Palestinians in the fields of education and health, protecting the poorest families, and also providing the Palestinian refugees across the country with access to essential services,” she added.

A certain amount of the assistance package will also reportedly be set aside for Palestinian hospitals in al-Quds.

Mogherini argued that while the EU assistance package is a significant boost and benefit to the Palestinians, it is insufficient in and of itself to truly improving their lives.

“These are tangible steps on the ground that can improve the lives of Palestinian people, but these steps are not enough,” Mogherini contended.

“Palestinian institutions must continue to grow stronger, become more transparent, more accountable, and more democratic.